Finance jobs in Birmingham, west midlands

We are recruiting multiple Funding Officers to support a range of initiatives across England, including Community Wealth Fund, National Lottery Awards for All, Programme Funding and Every Child Can. A mixture of permanent roles and fixed term contracts on a full or part-time basis are available.

As outlined in our It Starts with Community strategy, we are committed to placing community agency, power, and control at the heart of our England funding portfolio. We aim to stand alongside communities, supporting them as they tackle challenges and fulfil their potential. This is a great opportunity to take a mission-driven approach to funding while working flexibly across different programmes and priorities.We are looking for people who are collaborative, adaptable and passionate about putting communities first.

You will be expected to work on different initiatives across our England portfolio. This covers a broad range of thematic areas, from small grant funding up to larger scale projects, working with a wide range of different customers.As a Funding Officer you will work alongside fellow Funding Officers, supported by a Funding Manager.

We have a hybrid approach to working. Successful candidates will be required to attend meetings and training at our Birmingham or Newcastle offices.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived or working experience within under-represented communities.

Responsibilities & Expectations of the Role

• You will assess applications for funding and manage grants using best practice, thematic expertise and the experience of customers and stakeholders to improve our grant making and inform our decision making.
• You will provide clear, constructive feedback to applicants. 
• You will manage your own caseload, liaise with grant recipients, undertake project visits, identify and manage risk, support organisations to meet their grant requirements and measure their impact.
• You will ensure that grant management and assessment play an effective part in contributing to the Fund’s knowledge and learning as a grant maker.
• You will be a proactive member of the England Funding Team. You will contribute your skills, knowledge and expertise to a range of work and programmes as need arises. Within an organisation and sector experiencing on-going change, an agile & flexible approach to the role will be essential for success.
• You will need to work within the Fund’s policies and procedures, and relevant legislation in a way that is in line with our vision and values.

Interview Details:

• Dates: w/c 14 September 2026, w/c 21 September 2026 & w/c 28 September 2026
• Format: Microsoft Teams
• Location:England with regular travel to Newcastle and Birmingham 

How to Apply:

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement (max 1,000 words) to align with the criteria below. We will use this to score your application. 

If you have any questions on the process, please email us

Essential Criteria 

• Communication skills: Strong listening, written and verbal communication with an emphasis on written communication for assessment purposes.
• Analytical skills: Ability to assess a high volume of applications, make good judgements, challenge when appropriate and manage risk.
• Relational skills: Ability to build, develop, and promote effective relationships with colleagues and community organisations, with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Organisational skills: Ability to use your initiative and manage your workload and time, juggle competing priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt and respond to changing organisational priorities, working flexibly across a number of workstreams adapting quickly to new processes and ways of working.
• Demonstrable sound IT skills, in particular Microsoft Office products and the ability to learn detailed processes quickly and accurate.
• Values driven and passionate about the Fund’s purpose.

Desirable Criteria  

• Understanding of financial planning and business plans, ability to analyse accounts and numerical data.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

Vital Strategies is a global public health organization. Our programs strengthen public health systems and address the world’s leading causes of illness, injury, and death. We currently work in more than 80 countries, supporting data-driven decision-making in government, advancing evidence-based public health policies, and mounting strategic communication campaigns. Vital Strategies’ priorities are driven by the greatest potential to improve and save lives. They include noncommunicable disease prevention, tobacco control, road safety, food policy, environmental health, and data for health. Our programs are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries and cities in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Please visit our website to find out more about our work.

We believe our programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by people with diverse life experiences whose understanding of social and cultural issues can help make our work and workforce more inclusive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, actual or perceived age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for those seeking employment.

Job Purpose:

Vital Strategies has experienced significant growth in both its programs and global footprint in recent years. As the organization continues to expand, it is essential that our people practices remain legally compliant, operationally effective, culturally responsive, and forward-thinking to support an increasingly diverse and distributed workforce.

We are seeking an experienced Global HR leader who will continue to build on our efforts to strengthen global HR operations and compliance. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, culturally agile leader who is passionate about operational excellence, continuous improvement, and making a meaningful global impact. 

The Director, Global HR Operations and Compliance is a critical leadership role within the Human Resources function, responsible for advancing HR operational excellence, strengthening global compliance, and supporting the continued evolution of our people practices. With seven global offices and Employer of Record (EOR) arrangements in thirteen countries, this position provides strategic leadership and oversight for Vital's global HR operations, compliance framework, and employee services, ensuring consistent, efficient, and legally compliant HR practices across all locations.

The Director will lead the development and implementation of inclusive policies, procedures, and best practices; provide guidance on global employment actions and employee relations matters; support workforce expansion into new countries; and oversee global compensation, benefits, and HR governance programs. This role is responsible for identifying and mitigating employment-related risks while ensuring a positive employee experience and operational consistency across diverse jurisdictions.

Reporting to the Vice President, Global HR, the Director partners closely with organizational leaders, HR colleagues, legal counsel, country offices, and external partners to strengthen HR infrastructure, optimize systems and processes, and enhance the organization's ability to manage a global workforce effectively. Success in this role requires deep global HR expertise, strong judgment, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to lead change while balancing organizational standards with local legal, cultural, and operational requirements.

This job opportunity may be based in the UK, Switzerland, or Kenya. Vital Strategies will offer a competitive salary based on local market benchmarking. Additional locations in Europe and Africa where Vital Strategies is operational may be considered. The applicable salary ranges for the hiring locations are:

• UK: £110,000- £120,000
• Switzerland: CHF 120,000 to 140,000
• Kenya: KES 14,000,000- 18,500,000 KES

Duties & Responsibilities:

Global HR Operations - 

· Maintain a high-quality global HR operations function, including standardized policies where legally appropriate, standardized processes, technology, systems, tools, forms, and guidelines that are accessible, well understood, and consistently utilized across all offices.

· Balance global organizational standards and compliance requirements with the operational, cultural, and legal realities of individual country offices, ensuring an appropriate and practical approach across diverse environments.

· Build trusted relationships with global office leadership, HR and Country Directors, to encourage transparency, collaboration, and timely sharing of HR-related information necessary for effective operations, risk management, and compliance.

· Partner with, support, and advise global HR team members and Country Directors on HR operational matters; while supporting local HR partners in assuming HR functions locally as appropriate for each office.

· Lead global HR due diligence (terms and conditions of employment, infrastructure and documentation) and manage the maintenance of international office employee handbooks and guides for EOR-hired staff.

· Partner with leadership, programs, and operation teams in opening offices or establishing EORs; as well as closing offices or programs.

· Ensure compliance with regulatory reporting requirements, maintenance of required documentation, and timely responses to HR audits and coordinate with the risk management committee.

· In partnership with local HR teams, lead annual global employee benefits renewals, including plan design, vendor coordination, and budget management.

· Oversee global compensation programs, including salary benchmarking, pay review processes, compensation guidance, and manager training.

· Work with Talent Acquisition, Grants & Contracts and Global Finance to coordinate the annual and reforecast workforce budget.

· Oversee the establishment of EORs and the ongoing vendor/employee/manager relationships.

· Ensure the global HR team is trained in the core HR operational areas, as well as any Vital HR specific procedures and practices.

· Ensure that HR policies, procedures, and compliance documents are accessible to all staff via the organizational intranet “Vital Pulse”.

· Collaborate with HR team to implement, analyze, and maintain operational metrics and people data to inform decision-making and strengthen organizational effectiveness.

· Serve as a key HRIS company administrator and partner to global HR teams, leveraging technology to improve HR operations, reporting, compliance and data integrity.

· Partner with HR and operational leaders to ensure HRIS data accuracy globally, establish effective governance processes, and support local teams in maintaining timely and accurate employee records.

Compliance - 

· In collaboration with Legal and VP HR, ensure that HR processes, policies, recordkeeping, and forms are in compliance with regulations, country and local labor laws, and donor guidelines.

· Oversee policy, process and procedure documentation to ensure consistency, accessibility, and compliance across the organization.

· Conduct spot checks to employee files to ensure audit readiness and compliance; and provide training to HR team members responsible for maintaining documentation.

· Ensure compliance with the Vital global data retention policy for employee data and HR documentation.

· Identify and proactively mitigate HR operational and compliance risks through strong controls, monitoring, documentation practices, and partnership with local offices.

Employee Services - 

· Coordinate the development and maintenance of HR programs and tools, including policies and procedures, SOPs, manuals, management guidelines, and other HR infrastructure to support business units, proposals, and projects.

· Ensure all offices and employees hired through EOR arrangements have access to an HR Help Desk or equivalent support structure with timely communication, responsiveness, and follow-up.

· In consultation with the VP HR and General Counsel, and in coordination with HRBPs, manage complex employee relations matters in a balanced, fair, and objective manner using appropriate counseling, investigative, intervention, and mediation techniques.

· Serve as an internal consultant and facilitator to managers and employees in resolving employment and performance-related issues in collaboration with HR business partners as appropriate.

· In collaboration with the Director of Talent Management and HR Country Teams, ensure timely delivery of training to managers on HR operations, policies, systems, and practices; and support clear communication of Vital HR business practices to employees globally.

· Foster a service-oriented HR culture that emphasizes responsiveness, partnership, trust, consistency, and practical problem-solving across all global offices.

Qualifications:

Education - 

· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field required.

· Professional HR certification such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CIPD, or equivalent international HR certification preferred.

Skills & Abilities - 

· Strong knowledge of global HR operations, employment practices, compliance requirements, and HR infrastructure across multiple countries and regions.

· Demonstrated ability to balance global organizational standards with local legal, cultural, and operational needs in diverse international environments.

· Strong relationship-building, influencing, and partnership skills, with the ability to establish trust and credibility across global offices and with leaders at all levels.

· High degree of diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, discretion, and sound judgment when managing complex and sensitive employee and organizational matters.

· Ability to proactively gather, assess, and synthesize information from multiple stakeholders and environments to identify operational or compliance risks and support informed decision-making.

· Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced global environment.

· Excellent verbal, written communication, and active listening skills, including the ability to communicate complex HR concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use people data and metrics to drive operational improvements and business decisions.

· Service-oriented leadership approach with a focus on collaboration, responsiveness, practical solutions, and continuous improvement.

· Strong facilitation, training, and coaching skills for managers, HR teams, and employees.

· High level of integrity and ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

· Strong technology proficiency and ability to leverage HR systems and tools to improve operational effectiveness, reporting, workforce analytics, compliance, and employee experience.

· Fluency in English required.

· Knowledge of global HR operational best practices and employment lifecycle processes.

· Knowledge of compensation, benefits, employee relations, performance management, and policy administration practices.

· Understanding of change management principles and organizational effectiveness practices in global organizations.

Experience Required:

· Minimum of 15 years of progressive human resources experience, including significant experience in global HR operations, compliance, and employee services.

· Demonstrated experience supporting a complex, multi-country or global organization, preferably within the nonprofit, international development, public health, or mission-driven sector.

· Experience partnering with global offices and navigating varying labor laws, cultural norms, and operational practices across regions.

· Proven experience developing and implementing global HR policies, procedures, systems, and operational processes.

· Experience managing HR compliance, audits, employee documentation, and data governance in international environments.

· Experience overseeing compensation and benefits administration across multiple countries and/or employer-of-record (EOR) arrangements.

· Demonstrated experience managing complex employee relations matters and conducting or supporting investigations in collaboration with legal counsel and HR business partners.

· Experience leading or supporting HRIS optimization, system configuration, reporting, and data integrity initiatives; experience with UKG strongly preferred.

· Experience using HR metrics and workforce data to support operational planning and organizational decision-making.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

· The position may involve up to 10% travel to various international locations, depending on organizational needs

· Ability/willingness to work across multiple time zones

Help us grow our corporate income, building transformational partnerships and accelerating Habitat GB's mission to tackle housing poverty around the world.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Habitat for Humanity Great Britain at a pivotal moment in our growth. We have ambitious plans to significantly increase our impact, expand our profile and unlock substantial new investment from the private sector. To do this, we are seeking an experienced, entrepreneurial and relationship-driven Head of Corporate Partnerships to lead the next phase of our corporate fundraising journey.

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising & Partnerships, you will lead the development and delivery of a high-value corporate partnerships strategy, personally securing and growing six-figure and multi-year partnerships with some of the UK's most influential companies. You'll build on strong foundations while creating new opportunities for businesses to engage with one of the world's leading housing and community development organisations.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on income generation. You will lead a growing team, shape future investment in the function, and drive delivery of ambitious targets, including £1.3 million in corporate income and more than £500,000 in new business in year one, helping to achieve our ambition to double corporate income over the next three years.

As part of the global Habitat for Humanity network, you'll be able to offer corporate partners compelling opportunities spanning housing, climate resilience, community development, employee engagement and international volunteering. Few charities can match the scale, reach and tangible impact of the partnerships you will create.

We are looking for an outstanding fundraiser and leader with a track record of securing significant corporate partnerships, building high-performing pipelines and inspiring teams to deliver ambitious targets. In return, you'll join a passionate, values-led organisation where your work will directly help more families access the safety, security and opportunity of a decent home.

If you're excited by growth, motivated by impact and ready to build something extraordinary, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: this role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK.

Start your Habitat journey here…

We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to shine, to share your skills and experience as clearly as possible, and for you to find out more about Habitat GB in return. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat before submitting an application.

To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a supporting statement (max two sides of A4).

Job Purpose

 The Head of Corporate Partnerships is accountable for delivering substantial and sustained income growth from the private sector, with clear ownership of income targets, pipeline strength and conversion performance.

The role will lead the development and execution of a high-value, ESG-aligned corporate partnerships strategy, focused on securing and growing six-figure and multi-year partnerships. Combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, the postholder will personally lead priority opportunities while building a high-performing, commercially focused function capable of doubling corporate income over a three-year period.

Working closely with the Director of Fundraising & Partnerships, the role will strengthen Habitat GB’s position as a partner of choice for purpose-driven businesses, leveraging the global Habitat network to deliver scalable, high-impact partnerships

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

Corporate Partnerships Strategy & Growth

· Develop, implement and continuously refine a high-value corporate partnerships strategy aligned to organisational growth ambitions

· Deliver significant year-on-year income growth, contributing to the target to double corporate income within three years

· Lead the development of market-leading ESG-aligned partnership propositions, linked to SDGs, climate resilience and inclusive housing

· Identify, prioritise and unlock opportunities with UK-headquartered multinationals and national corporate partners

· Leverage the global Habitat network to secure multi-country and scalable partnership opportunities

Income Generation & New Business Delivery

· Personally lead the end-to-end development of strategic partnerships—from prospect identification through to negotiation and contract

· Secure six-figure and multi-year partnerships aligned to organisational priorities

· Deliver against agreed annual income and new business targets (anticipated to be £1.3m and £500k+ in year one), with a clear trajectory for sustained growth.

· Build and maintain a robust pipeline with a minimum 3–5x coverage ratio, ensuring consistent delivery against targets

· Apply disciplined prospect qualification, prioritisation and conversion methodologies

· Lead complex, high-value negotiations and partnership design

Pipeline Management, Forecasting & Performance

· Own and manage a dynamic, data-driven pipeline, using CRM systems and performance insights to inform decision-making

· Track and report on pipeline health, conversion rates, income forecasting and return on investment

· Work collaboratively with Finance to ensure accurate income forecasting, budgeting and reporting. Embed structured pipeline reviews and performance management processes.

· Ensure accurate forecasting and proactive management of risks and opportunities.

Partnership Management & Strategic Account Growth

· Oversee the strategic management, renewal and year-on-year growth of existing partnerships

· Drive increased partnership value through upsell, cross-portfolio engagement and multi-year agreements

· Ensure strong retention rates and long-term partner engagement

· Act as senior relationship lead for flagship and high-value accounts

· Maximise value through integrated opportunities including employee engagement, brand alignment, volunteering and digital activation

Global Volunteering Programme

• Provide strategic oversight of Habitat GB's Global Volunteering programme, ensuring it supports organisational income, engagement and partnership objectives
• Line manage the Volunteer Coordinator and support the effective delivery, growth and performance of the programme
• Ensure appropriate systems, processes, risk management and safeguarding measures are in place to support the safe and effective operation of the programme
• Embed Global Volunteering opportunities within corporate partnerships and supporter engagement activity to maximise participation, income and impact

Team Leadership & Capability Building

· Lead and develop the Corporate Partnerships team, currently comprising the New Business Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, with planned responsibility for the Corporate Partnerships Manager and New Business Executive roles as these positions are recruited

· Set clear objectives, KPIs and expectations aligned to income delivery and pipeline development

· Build a high-performing, accountable and commercially focused team culture

· Support capability development in pipeline management, negotiation and partnership growth

· Ensure effective use of systems, data and insight across the function

Proposition Development & Cross-Organisational Leadership

· Work collaboratively with Impact and Programmes teams, as well as other Fundraising & Partnerships colleagues to develop compelling, tailored partnership propositions

· Influence and align senior internal stakeholders to prioritise and deliver high-value opportunities

· Ensure all partnership propositions clearly articulate impact, value and alignment with corporate ESG priorities

· Drive innovation in corporate partnership “products”, responding to evolving market demand

External Profile, Influence & Market Positioning

· Position Habitat GB as a leading partner for corporate social impact and ESG-driven collaboration

· Build and maintain strong relationships with senior corporate stakeholders and decision-makers

· Represent Habitat GB at external forums, events and networks to build visibility and generate opportunities

· Contribute to thought leadership and sector engagement

Risk, Compliance & Due Diligence

· Ensure robust corporate due diligence processes and proactive management of reputational risk

· Maintain compliance with fundraising regulation, ethical standards and organisational policies

· Protect and enhance Habitat GB’s brand through careful partner selection and management

Person profile:

· Proven track record of securing six-figure+ corporate partnerships, including complex, strategic and multi-year deals

· Significant experience in corporate fundraising, partnerships or business development in a charitable or other relevant context

· Demonstrable success in building and converting high-value pipelines

· Experience managing and growing strategic partnerships and key accounts

· Experience leading complex negotiations and high-level stakeholder engagement

· Experience of line management or leading high-performing teams, including leading teams through growth, change or transformation

· Strong understanding of corporate fundraising, ESG, CSR and sustainability agendas

· Commercially astute with the ability to align corporate objectives and social impact

· Strong understanding of pipeline management, forecasting and performance metrics

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior level

· Highly delivery-focused, with a strong track record of meeting or exceeding income targets

· Strategic thinker with the ability to translate strategy into measurable results

· Strong relationship builder with credibility at senior/executive level

· Data-driven and disciplined in pipeline and performance management

· Creative and solution-oriented in developing partnership propositions

· Strong influencing skills in complex and matrix environments

· Results-driven, resilient and accountable

· High integrity, professionalism and sound judgement

· Strong alignment with Habitat GB’s mission and values

· Collaborative, inclusive and values-led leadership style

· Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding and ethical practice

Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work.  Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct. The employment of this position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

Unfortunately, because of high volume of applications we will not be able to contact unsuccessful applicants. If you haven’t heard from us within a month of the application deadline, please assume that your application has not been successful.

International Nepal Fellowship (INF) is a Christian health and development charity. Since 1952 they have had a huge impact serving the most disadvantaged people and communities in Nepal.

As Nepal’s longest serving international NGO they continue to have ambitious plans. It is an exciting time to join INF as they enter a bold new strategic phase for 2026 to 2031.

The most disadvantaged communities in Nepal face a lack of access to healthcare, often walking for days to their nearest health post, or being unable to afford even basic treatment.

Kopila, who was diagnosed with leprosy several years ago, is a patient at INF’s Green Pastures Hospital in Pokhara, Nepal.

“Whenever I have to come back to Green Pastures I am grateful that all of the treatment is free, and I am happy because everybody there cares for me and loves me.”

We are looking for a Supporter Engagement Officer to join INF’s small, passionate UK team. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with INF’s committed UK supporters who resource and pray for the work of Nepali organisations which support people to overcome the barriers they face due to issues such as disability, poverty, gender or caste.

Please note that this is a full time role, part-time hours will also be considered (a minimum of 30 hours per week).

If this sounds like the role for you, we would love to hear from you.

The Role

As Supporter Engagement Officer you will play a key role in the stewardship of INF supporters. Reporting directly to the Head of Fundraising and Communications, you will support the team to deliver the highest level of supporter engagement.

The main responsibilities will include:

• Creating high-quality content, including prayer resources, to communicate effectively with supporters.
• Managing content for INF’s website, social media and e-marketing campaigns.
• Being a first point of contact, handling supporter enquiries by email and on the phone.
• Timely and appropriate acknowledgment of donations.
• Participating in team prayer and reflection as part of the wider staff team.

The Person

We are looking for a practising Christian, as set out in the occupational requirement for this position.

You must align with the values of INF and be committed to your faith. It is key that prayer is important to you both personally and professionally.

We are looking for someone with the ability, or drive to learn, to write creatively and develop new skills in digital marketing. You must be an adaptable person who thrives within a small team.

Proven experience of engaging with supporters is also vital, as well as exceptional written and verbal communications skills.

As a faith-based Christian charity, it is a genuine occupational requirement for applicants to have a personal commitment to the Christian faith. See the recruitment pack for more details.

Why INF?

INF UK has a small, supportive, connected team where ideas are welcomed and suggestions are encouraged. It is a real privilege to work with INF’s partners in Nepal, and a fantastic opportunity to learn about various projects and their delivery.

There is a genuine culture of learning and a real opportunity for development, especially at a unique phase of the charity’s long history as they work towards a new strategy.

INF places an emphasis on professional development and training to enable you to fulfil your role. They support employees in their desire to further their qualifications and careers, including offering opportunities to undertake training courses and attend conferences or events.

The charity offer agile working for all staff members which includes options for flexible working hours.

The charity’s other benefits include:

• Generous pension plan with employer contribution of 10%
• Option to buy extra annual leave
• Group Life Insurance for all employees

Please note that INF are unable to provide sponsorship for this position. All offers of employment are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory employment screening, a basic DBS Check, and three references satisfactory to INF UK (including one reference from a church leader or someone able to speak to your Christian faith).

If this sounds like the opportunity for the next phase of your career, then apply here, or contact Leanne or Jen at Charity Horizons for more information. 

Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload, or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact either Jen or Leanne who will be happy to advise on this.

Please also be aware that we use anonymous recruitment methods when submitting shortlists for all our roles and we only work with organisations that are happy to engage with us in this way.

Charity Horizons is an equal opportunities employer and as such actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitable candidates irrespective of age, disability, hidden disability, race or national origin, religion or belief (save where a genuine occupational requirement applies, as set out above), gender, gender expression, political view, sexual orientation, medical condition and pregnancy.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.